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Winemaker's Notes:

Chateau d'Yquem is one of the most highly-regarded dessert wines in the world. In the famous 1855 classification of Bordeaux, Château d’Yquem was the only domaine to be accorded the rank of Premier Cru Supérieur. Produced from painstakingly handpicked grapes and severe selection in the winery, only 1 glass of wine per vine is produced at d’Yquem.
Blend: 80% Sémillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc
Color: Medium gold
Aroma: Honeyed, oaky, flowery, tropical fruit bouquet, magnificent and unique
Palate: Rich, opulent, concentrated and full-bodied

Member Reviews for Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes

If this isn't a 100 point wine, I don't know what is. I am by no means an experienced Sauternes taster, but this just showed soooo much complexity and magic, that I don't know how it could improve.The wonder is that it WILL improve for decades to come. The Nose: carmel popcorn, coconut, spicy tartness, apricot and much more that I could not put a handle on. All presenting in a subtle and unassuming wave of aroma. The Palate: Weightless and thick at the same time. Carmel, Apricot, orange peel & honey with an incredibly long finish of honey sweetened croissant. Along with all of this, there is a backbone of good acid to tie it together. Every facet of this wine flowed seamlessly into the next.

One could spend hours just looking at it. Beautiful golden and orange colour of a youthful wine, starting a long and promising life. With just a gentle swirl for a minute at least, it opens up in the glass and only then you can take a deep smell. Explosion of lemon and orange zest, honey, peach, apricot... so much, it's difficult to recognise them all! The nose is thrilling, it gives you a hint how incredible this wine will be on the palate... The first sip is also overwhelming with flavours and aromas, with more honey, peach, pineapple and then layers of light spices... The sweetness is simply perfectly balanced with the acidity that seems to help the whole structure to stand on the upper part of the mouth. The finish is still in its very early days, but the lasting is luscious, lingering and 'sensual'. I found a stunning feminine touch in this Yquem.
Absolutely amazing!
QC

The 2001 is the best Yquem in living memory. In the glass the wine is a striking golden colour with tints of green. After some period of decanting the nose comes forward in spades pouring forth honey and almonds, with cream and pineapples in support.

I’ve had many, many Yquems but this is by far the best (although I haven’t tried the 1967).
Colour is bright but pale gold, showing no signs of age. The nose is very intense and penetrating, with a beautiful amalgam of honeyed orange blossom, pineapple and marmaladey desserts aromas.
The palate is spectacular. Very complex, very intense but tightly coiled with fantastic acidity which makes it really bright and lifted, without being mouth puckering. It tastes like dried apricots crushed up and blended with honey, mango, orange marmalade and citrus hints that give it a beautiful cut and amazing persistence, while being beautifully refined and vital.
Is by far the longest palate I have ever experienced. Reminded me somewhat of sipping Grand Marnier, with some of that mouth filling sensation and lift – albeit more subtley - long after being swallowed. Incredibly, I could still taste hints of it more than 20 minutes later.
Yet, despite its concentration and intensity, it dances on the palate and is lively and remarkably refreshing. The best balanced wine I have ever drunk and the most enjoyable wine I have ever drunk. Wow!

The greatest young Yquem I have ever tasted from bottle. Yellow with a golden hue and an almost green tint. Intense aromas of botrytis spices and blanched almonds follow through to honey maple syrup dried apricot and pineapple. Full-bodied sweet thick and powerful with layers of fruit and a bright lively finish. Coats the palate yet remains exciting. So balanced and refined showing the pedigree that only this Sauternes estate can deliver. Best after 2012. 10 000 cases made. (JS) Wine Sp

The greatest young Yquem I have ever tasted from bottle. Yellow with a golden hue and an almost green tint. Intense aromas of botrytis spices and blanched almonds follow through to honey maple syrup dried apricot and pineapple. Full-bodied sweet thick and powerful with layers of fruit and a bright lively finish. Coats the palate yet remains exciting. So balanced and refined showing the pedigree that only this Sauternes estate can deliver. Best after 2012. 10 000 cases made. (JS) Wine Spectator.

This is so layered and intense on the palate with lemons and dried pineapple mango and honey. Full body very sweet but it remains tangy and vibrant. Shows such amazing balance and intensity. Crazy finish. Hints of vanilla and apple pur

There are 10 000 cases of this perfect sweet white Bordeaux. The 2001 Yquem reveals a hint of green in its light gold color. While somewhat reticent aromatically with airing it offers up honeyed tropical fruit orange marmalade pineapple sweet creme brulee and buttered nut-like scents. In the mouth it is full-bodied with gorgeously refreshing acidity as well as massive concentration and unctuosity. Everything is uplifted and given laser-like focus by refreshing acidity. This large-scaled

There are 10,000 cases of this perfect sweet white Bordeaux. The 2001 Yquem reveals a hint of green in its light gold color. While somewhat reticent aromatically, with airing, it offers up honeyed tropical fruit, orange marmalade, pineapple, sweet creme brulee, and buttered nut-like scents. In the mouth, it is full-bodied with gorgeously refreshing acidity as well as massive concentration and unctuosity. Everything is uplifted and given laser-like focus by refreshing acidity. This large-scaled, youthful Yquem appears set to take its place among the most legendary vintages of the past, and will age effortlessly for 75+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2100+.

The greatest young Yquem I have ever tasted from bottle. Yellow, with a golden hue and an almost green tint. Intense aromas of botrytis, spices and blanched almonds follow through to honey, maple syrup, dried apricot and pineapple. Full-bodied, sweet... Wine Spectator. A Sauternes Blend wine from Bordeaux in France. 2001 Yquem, Chateau d' 375ml

Chateau d'Yquem is one of the most highly-regarded dessert wines in the world. In the famous 1855 classification of Bordeaux, Château d’Yquem was the only domaine to be accorded the rank of Premier Cru Supérieur. Produced from painstakingly handpicked grapes and severe selection in the winery, only 1 glass of wine per vine is produced at d’Yquem.
Blend: 80% Sémillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc
Color: Medium gold
Aroma: Honeyed, oaky, flowery, tropical fruit bouquet, magnificent and unique
Palate: Rich, opulent, concentrated and full-bodied